Frosty and Tickford part ways

As my supporters I truly value you all and I want to communicate this news to you personally though this live chat.

At the end of this season Tickford and I will be parting ways. I know this will disappoint many of you, but I want to assure you that I will still be on the grid in 2019 and beyond.

Tickford and I have raced together for 13 years, and we have achieved many of our ultimate goals: 38 Race wins, 117 podiums, 36 Pole Positions, not to mention a Bathurst win in 2013 and a Championship in 2015.

In that time I have worked with so many amazing people and they will continue to be a big part of my life.

When I first came to the team I was the young guy, inexperienced and raw, and to this day i still value havingteam mates who mentored me. Brighty and Richo openly taught me the tricks of the trade. Over the past few years It has been an honour to give back and play that role with the younger guys who have joined Tickford. I know Tickford arein good hands with the current driver line up, three young guys full of talent and most of all top blokes.

We talk a lot about loyalty in this sport and that is incredibly important to me. I have been with Tickford for 13 years and I want you to know this decision was not financially motivated. I shook hands with the Tickford management and we wished each other all the best.

We will always remain respectful and grateful for the history we have created together and the amazing times we have shared. Tickford will always hold a special place in my heart.

Tickford and I have been so fortunate to win the support of loyal sponsors including Orrcon Steel and Castrol, which havebeen on my car for 14 years now, The Bottle O, who have been with Tickford for 10 years, and personally Actron Air, Bolle and Malibu for over 8 years. Thank you.

These companies and the supporters are the people I will always respect and appreciate. There is no bigger compliment then a person spending their hard-earnt cash on my team shirt.

Consistent, good results are something I strive for and pride myself on, the past two years have been really tough. My five-year-old son can’t even remember seeing me win a race.

The last thing I want is to fade away and just turn up for my pay cheque. I know I can still compete like I did three years ago when I won the championship. I want to get back to the front and I have the backing of many people I respect massively in this sport.

I know I am a better driver now than I was in my 20s, I have the experience and the passion to race and be competitive. I have always, and will always, drive a car to its strengths.

I go in to every race thinking I can win, I am as hungry and motivated as the first day I sat in a Supercar.

So I’m going to stay true to who I am and to continue to be genuine for my supporters, family and sponsors. Regardless of which team I race for in 2019, I am still the same person and I hope that you will continue to support me in the future.

I have always tried to be a role model within our sport. Champions are not just made on track but behind the scenes as well. I love engaging with you all and giving back as much as I can, whether that be my time in person, posting out merchandise to brighten someone’s day, creating videos and special messages of support for you. A lot happens behinds the scenes at this very desk that I am proud of. I love racing Supercars and I genuinely appreciate you all, which is why Iwanted to deliver this announcement personally.

In recent weeks, I have received many messages of support from fans which have really humbled me.

I hope you are happy to see me on the grid in 2019 but, if not, please remember that I am a real person with a real family so please be respectful in your comments. I will try to answer some of your questions now but I’m not in a position yet to make any announcements about 2019.

Thanks again for your ongoing support. It will never go unappreciated.